Produce Marketing Association

Formed in 1949 during the inaugural National Conference on Prepackaging, PMA (then Produce Prepackaging Association) was led by Paul B. Dickman and aimed to revolutionize the produce industry by delivering member networking and educational opportunities. In 1958, official headquarters moved from New York to Newark, Delaware, with Robert Carey as Executive Secretary. This marks a turning point for the organization. The organization officially changed its name to Produce Marketing Association in 1970. This is when PMA created three operating divisions to address increasing member demand for services: retailer, producer, and distributor. In 1974, PMA joined the floral industry by forming the Floral Marketing Division to represent mass-market floral members. The Produce Electronic Identification Board (PEIB) was created by PMA in 1987 to administer standardized Price Look-Up (PLU) codes. The following year, in 1988, PMA joined with United Fresh & Vegetable Association to establish the Center for Produce Quality. In 1989, Bob Carey became President of PMA after three decades of service to the association. PMA.com was launched in 1995, establishing the association as an online destination for produce industry members. By taking advantage of new communications technologies to connect to members worldwide, the association could now provide 24-hour access to information and create a virtual trade show. In 1996, Bryan Silbermann succeeded Bob Carey as president and CEO. During his time with PMA Bryan Silbermann helped standardize PLU/UPC codes, spearheaded the Produce Traceability Initiative (PTI), began the import-export committee that became the International Trade Committee to Global Strategy and Development committees. Silbermann also helped institute the Produce for Better Health (PBH) program, FNV, Center for Produce Quality, Center for Produce Safety and Partnership for Food Safety Education, along with many other achievements during his time with PMA. In 2017, Cathy Burns succeeded Bryan Silbermann as PMA's CEO. == Programs and initiatives ==